After releasing two fairly well-received albums, the soul singer truly came into the spotlight by collaborating with DJ Danger Mouse to create the group Gnarls Barkley. With their hit single “Crazy,” the band’s album “St. Elsewhere” went platinum, winning two Grammy awards. “Crazy” was so well-received that Rolling Stone deemed it the number one song of the decade. But now, Green is back to being solo with the release of his newest album.
With a name like The Lady Killer, Green sets the bar high in terms of sensual slow jams. And for the most part, he does a pretty good job of fulfilling the name. The funky horns, groovy beats and full gospel choir set the mood pretty well for some good lovin’. However, there are some moments where the mood intentionally falls flat. “Bodies,” for example, offers a cryptic take on love much similar to the song “Necromancer” in Gnarls Barkley’s “St. Elsewhere.”
The lyrics complement the music well. Whether it’s “Satisfied” (“Oh, let me satisfy you”) or “Fool For You” (“Let me do it ‘til I’m satisfied”), almost all of Green’s songs are about love, or at least the physical aspect of it. As a matter of fact, it seems as though his single, “”F**k You!” is the only song that breaks that mold, describing heartache instead of heated love-making.
It can be said that Green has one of the best voices in the industry today. Whether he’s getting the sensitive high notes or the booming lows, Green’s voice is smooth and soulful at every pitch. Marvin Gaye and Barry White would be proud that someone is carrying on the legacy of impressive voices in soul music, especially on songs like “Old Fashioned” and “Wildflower.”
A vast majority of the album is fun, upbeat and easy to listen to. From the funky, disco-esque beats of “Bright Lights Bigger City” to the ballad style of “I Want You,” Green makes music that isn’t supposed to be taken too seriously.
While the majority of songs of “The Lady Killer” are fun, poppy dance numbers, there’s very little that sticks out. Perhaps with the exception of “F**k You!” it’s doubtful any of the other songs on the album will be remembered down the road.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Matt Glassett at Matthew.glassett@colorado.edu.